Theatre and Performance Studies Commons^™

Improvisation, Truth, And Archetyping: Establishing The Tools And Precepts Of Comedic Acting, Ann Marie Johnston-Brown

Theses Digitization Project

This research set out to prove that truth and archetyping are the primary precepts of comedic acting, and that improvisation is justifiably the most prevalent pedagogical tool for instilling these precepts in the comedic actor. To prove this theory, a comprehensive study of the history of the genre was conducted.

Peter Pan: A Journey Of Imagination, Daniel Mark Monroe

Theses Digitization Project

This project explored ways in which a group of artists can encourage an audience to actively engage their imagination while producing a classical play based on a classic story. This paper discusses the techniques and approaches used to achieve conceptual goals as a director. The directors first goal was to accurately portray the main character. Secondly, he set out to create a Neverland that would allow the entire audience to engage their imagination and capture the joy of their youth.

Is Prospero Just? Platonic Virtue In William Shakespeare’S The Tempest, Anthony Jannotta

Undergraduate Review

The Tempest is often regarded, and rightly so, as Shakespeare’s last great play. Many scholars argue that Prospero is an analogue for Shakespeare himself, noting the similarities between Prospero’s illusory magic and Shakespeare’s poetic genius. The themes of imagination, illusion, and, indeed, theatre itself play an integral role. The line that is perhaps most often cited as evidence for this argument is Prospero’s speech directly after he breaks up the wedding masque in which he refers to “the great globe itself” (IV.i.153). There is a danger, however, in appealing to the author’s biography or treating the biography as paramount, namely …

White People, Kathryn Leclair

Undergraduate Review

J.T. Rogers has carefully constructed his play, White People, to concentrate on the issue of communications between races, to talk to the audience, and to address them in order to make them understand their own shortcomings in approaching the topic of race. Both Alan and Martin, two of the three main characters in this play, have difficulty with the ways in which they communicate their feelings about race and their positions as white middle class men. They argue with themselves about how to communicate while externally showing the audience the struggle between what they both believe to be morally …

What A World – What A World: Scene/Script Analysis For Fight Plays, T. Fulton Burns

Theatre Faculty Research

“While perfection is a wonderful goal, there comes a point where you have to let your creation out into the world or it isn’t worth a tinkerer’s damn.” This is a fantastic quote by Twyla Tharp from her book The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It For Life: A Practical Guide. So what does this have to do with you, the stage combatant? Well you are working hard but you are being told not to strive for perfection because perfection can never truly be achieved in the arts, so naturally itwarrants the question “then for what exactly do you …

Introduction, D. J. Hopkins, Shelley Orr, Kim Solga

Department of English Publications

No abstract provided.

Dress Suits To Hire And The Landscape Of Queer Urbanity, Kim Solga

Department of English Publications

No abstract provided.

Trying On—Being In—Becoming: Four Women’S Journey(S) In Feminist Poststructural Theory, Donna Kalmbach Phillips, Gennie Harris, Mindy Legard Larson, Karen Higgins

Faculty Publications

This is the narrative of four women in academia spanning a ten-year relational journey. As a performance collaborative autoethnography, it explores and presents theories of subjectivity and transitional space. Through journals, emails, and dialogue we are trying on, being in, and becoming feminist poststructural thinkers/inquirers/teacher educators. In our work, we explore: How has theory changed our subjectivity, lived experiences and relationships, and moved us from comfortable spaces of knowing to uncomfortable places of becoming? In a series of poetry and performance narratives, we chart our own linked journey(s) in pursuing these questions. As autoethnographers, we grapple with meanings …

'Another Key' To Act Five Of A Midsummer Night’S Dream, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner

Faculty Publications

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner offers evidence as to why editors might choose to assign speeches in Act Five of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream either to Philostrate or to Egeus.

Good Death: A Community Conversation, Jasmine Lake

Honors Theses

No abstract available. Playbill.

Direction Of The Play: Bocon, Christina Burbank

Graduate Student Projects

This project entailed the selection, background research and documentation, casting, direction, vocal coaching, and post-production analysis of Hidalgo High School's production of ¡Bocon!. Documentation includes research and analysis of the play, its cultural significance, and an evaluation of the play as a production vehicle for the Department of Theatre Arts at Hidalgo Early College High School.

Bloudy Tygrisses: Murderous Women In Early Modern English Drama And Popular Literature, Alexandra Hill

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines artistic and literary images of murderous women in popular print published in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England. The construction of murderous women in criminal narratives, published between 1558 and 1625 in pamphlet, ballad, and play form, is examined in the context of contemporary historical records and cultural discourse. Chapter One features a literature review of the topic in recent scholarship. Chapter Two, comprised of two subsections, discusses representations of early modern women in contemporary literature and criminal archives. The subsections in Chapter Two examine early modern treatises, sermons, and essays concerning the nature of women, the roles and …

A Depiction Of A Comic Mythological Burlesque?, Kenneth S. Rothwell Jr.

Classics & Religious Studies Faculty Publication Series

A late eighteenth-century engraving is the only surviving record of a vase painting that shows a very odd scene, possibly reflecting a fifth- or fourth-century B.C. comedy.

The Success And Sustainability Of Improvisation In A Live Performance Context, Ashleigh Rose Berry

Theses : Honours

I am interested in investigating the value improvisation holds when placed in a live dance performance context. I am discussing improvisation in terms of it being an individual exploration of one's movement potential to create a personal movement language. Within this, I place focus on the body as a source of knowledge and the embodied movement possibilities that inevitably make up each individual dancer's personal movement language. I am also interested in the audience's perceptions of what defines successful dance and the dancer and audience relationship that forms during the duration of a performance. Can the practice of improvising be …

Puentes Teatrales, Montajes "De Ida Y Vuelta": Argentinos A La Conquista De La Escena Barcelonesa, Sharon G. Feldman

Latin American, Latino and Iberian Studies Faculty Publications

Throughout the present decade, a succession of playwrights, directors and theatre artists from Argentina have gone about leaving their imprint upon the Barcelona theatrical landscape (and by extension, that of Catalunya), an artistically fertile ground that, since the 1980s (and since the period of the democratic transition), has exhibited an undeniable yearning to breathe fresh air, to imbue itself with new aesthetic paradigms and become an essential point of reference within the world of European drama. Today Barcelona finds itself immersed in the most dynamic and extraordinary period in its modern theatre history, with an abundant outpouring of new drama …

El Teatro De La Época Democrática, Sharon G. Feldman

Latin American, Latino and Iberian Studies Faculty Publications

La trayectoria del teatro contemporáneo en España es una historia de supervivencia. Entre las múltiples capas y campos que componen el paisaje teatral de la época democrática, la palabra «crisis» quizá sea la que se repite con más frecuencia, como si fuera una especie de mantra que persiste en la punta de la lengua, lista para ser pronunciada con tanta facilidad e incluso con tanto entusiasmo por tantos profesionales de las artes escénicas que habría que preguntarse si podría ser un milagro que la revolución tecnológica contemporánea -junto con los dilemas perpetuos que han surgido en torno a las subvenciones …

Introduction (Special Cluster On The Catalan Stage, Modern And Contemporary), Sharon G. Feldman

Latin American, Latino and Iberian Studies Faculty Publications

At an international symposium devoted to the contemporary Catalan stage, which was held at the Institut del Teatre de la Diputació de Barcelona in 2005, director Toni Casares observed how the Catalan theater scene in its post-Franco evolution had, already endured a decade aimed at clarifying its cultural politics. "És l'epoca del teatre institucionalitzat o en vies d'institucionalització," he declared, referring to the decade comprising the years 1985 to 1995. It seemed an almost ironic observation at the time, as any attempt at institutionalization was certainly not a new endeavor for the Catalan theater scene; yet, Casares was also quick …

Teatre (Panorama Crític De La Literatura Catalana)), Sharon G. Feldman

Latin American, Latino and Iberian Studies Faculty Publications

L'activitat teatral entre 1959 i 1991 està marcada pels intents de creació d'un teatre nacional a partir dels grups independents i, després del 1975, amb el suport institucional. Moltes de les iniciatives del teatre independent, allunyades del teatre espanyol comercial, professional i/o «oficial» del moment, tingueren l'origen en l'Agrupació Dramàtica de Barcelona (establerta el 1955 per Ferran Soldevila, amb un divers grup d'artistes), el Teatre Viu (creat el 1956 per Ricard Salvat, Miquel Porter i Elena Estellés) i l'Escola d'Art Dramàtic Adrià Gual, que havien fundat Salvat i Maria Aurèlia Capmany el 1960. En aquests nuclis es formaren Josep Anton …

A Journey Up Scotland Road, Jason Cannon

Theses

Not available.

A Humanistic View Of Satan: The Role Of Satan In Stephen Adly Guirgis' The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot, Yohance Myles

LSU Master's Theses

The role of Satan, in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, was selected as the topic of this thesis in acting to be submitted to the Graduate School of Louisiana State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation with the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater. The thesis includes an introduction; discussions of acting methods: the Art of Being, logical thinking, rhythmic sounds, the rehearsal process, journal notes, photos, research, and a conclusion. It details my role/character from a theatrical and humanistic point of view. I will highlight points that will reveal my daily discoveries of this …

The Role Of Nina In Diana Son's Satellites: A Production Thesis In Acting, Jessica Wu

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis explores the role of Nina in Swine Palace’s 2009 production of Diana Son’s Satellites. The play investigates themes dealing with interracial relationships, major life transitions, and parenthood. Included in this study are a character autobiography written from the actor’s interpretation of the role, the actor’s journal, and a detailed account of the in rehearsal and performance process. In addition, this study includes production photos, reviews, a working copy of the script scored for subtext/inner life, objectives, and tactics, and an interview with the playwright.

The Role Of Fabiana Aziza Cunningham In Stephen Adly Guirgis' The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot: A Production Thesis In Acting, Leigh-Erin Balmer

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis will follow the experience of Leigh-Erin Balmer in creating the role of Fabiana Aziza Cunningham, a character written by Stephen Adly Guirgis in his play, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. The role of Cunningham is the topic of this production thesis in acting, which will be submitted to the Graduate School of Louisiana State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation with the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre. The thesis contains an introduction; textual analysis and research (regarding author and original production history as well as other text materials); a character study, including …

Jewish Identity On The Stage: The Roles Of Saint Matthew And Caiaphas The Elder In Stephen Adly Guirsis's' The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot, Andrew Paul Fafoutakis

LSU Master's Theses

The roles of Saint Matthew and Caiaphas the Elder in Stephen Adly Guirgis’s The Last Days of Judas Iscariot were performed in the fall of 2008 and elected as a thesis role at the time. This thesis is a written record of the actor’s research and development of the characters. This thesis includes background information on the production, historical research on the characters, character analyses, reflections on performance issues and the rehearsal process, and production photos.

The Role Of Judas Iscariot In Stephen Adly Guirgis' The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot: A Production Thesis In Acting And The Actor Director Relationship, Scott Matthew Woltz

LSU Master's Theses

Directing The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and playing the title role was chosen as the basis for a thesis project in the fall semester of 2008 to be presented to the Graduate School of Louisiana State University in partial fulfillment of the graduate requirement for the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre. The thesis will contain an introduction, a text analysis, a director’s concept, a chapter on the rehearsal process (to include a physical score and a tactical score), a chapter on performance, and a conclusion. The purpose of this thesis is to explore both an actor’s interpretation …

Constellations, Pathways Through The Body : An Exploration Creating New Movement Pathways Using Dual Patterning, Gemma Laing

Theses : Honours

This research paper is an exploration of the creation of movement using dual patterning, which is the tracing of two patterns simultaneously as a dual task. This piece of writing discusses practitioners Twyla Tharp, Trisha Brown and Lisa Kraus in their experiments with altering bodily habit. It also discusses patterns, imagery, bodily knowledge, and coordination to help facilitate the experiment. Thoughts and findings from the studio are discussed from the process to gain understanding of the experiment. Utilizing bodily intelligence or bodily knowledge, the body initially experiences a separation of hemispheres or halves of the body to enable the process …

The Role Of Yusef Akbar Azziz Al-Nassar Gamel El-Fayoumy And The Construction Of Specific Relationships In The Play The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot By Stephen Adly Guirgis, Kaluhath Kenneth De Abrew

LSU Master's Theses

The following document consists of a written interpretation of an actor’s work on approaching and eventually performing the role of Yusef Akbar Azziz Al-Nassar Gamel El-Fayoumy in a production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. This play was written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and performed at the Louisiana State University Hatcher Theatre in 2008. A specific focus is given to the separate and significantly different relationships between El-Fayoumy and ten other characters. The document also represents an actor’s struggle to be clear and precise while being free and imaginative.

Historical And Cultural Paradigms In The Evolution Of Dance In Ireland : Signifiers In The Works Of Siamsa Tire, Sharon A. Phelan

Theses

This thesis examines historical and cultural paradigms in dance in Ireland. Initially, the Introduction establishes the post-colonial matrix within which the thesis is written. This section interprets stages in the development of dance using cultural and educational theorists. It also highlights where the dance repertoire and teaching system at Siamsa Tire operate as signifiers.

Chapter One focuses on dance during the colonial era. Post-Colonial theorists have queried the validity of the coloniser/ colonised concept highlighting that it simplifies the long ago. The heterodox origins of the Irish dance master system and canon support this notion as they recognise a cross-fertilisation …

Undressing And Redressing The Harlequin: An Australian Designer's Perspective, Julie Parsons

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In undressing and redressing the Harlequin from an Australian designer’s perspective, the question is why has the Harlequin costume endured for over 500 years and in locations far away from its country of origin? Why do we associate its lozenge pattern with energetic joyous mischief? What are the Harlequin costume codes and how have they been manifested in Australia? The thesis components are divided as follows: The Designer’s Notebook is a pictorial and historical review of the iconic costume, which is made up of a complex patchwork of triangles where colour placements form a diamond pattern called a lozenge. The …

The Communicating Dance, Alison Plevey

Theses : Honours

Does dance have the ability to communicate universally to all observers at some level of human engagement? This paper discusses theatre dance as a human communicative medium, the characteristics of how it communicates and to a certain degree why and what it communicates. In doing so the intentions of the communicating dancer and choreographer are considered alongside that of the receptive and responsive audience. The thesis compiles a survey of textual sources pin pointing the unique communicative abilities of dance, as an artistic, expressive and meaningful form of non-verbal communication establishing suggestions of the ways it may be universally communicable.

'Youth Ventures Into The Unknown' Developing An Individual Style Of Dance Making, Kate Herron

Theses : Honours

As a new emerging dancer and artist who is highly interested in the form of choreography, the search for knowledge and understanding of where choreography has come from as well as how to generate works have been at the forefront of my personal journey in dance. My thesis looks at and asks how the formal choreographic elements and approaches can assist new choreographers in developing an individual style of dance making? This question leads to the various approaches and elements taken from famous choreographers over time, and assesses how new emerging artists can draw from these examples as a way …